Congresswoman responds to State of the Union

(Washington D.C.)- Rep. Grace Napolitano responded Wednesday night to President Bush’s State of the Union address, raising concerns about the disastrous effects his proposals could have on her constituents.

            “The president says he won’t touch the Social Security benefits of those over 55. But apparently it’s fair game for those under that age. That’s the majority of my working families – more than 80 percent of my district,” she said. “These are blue-collar workers who barely make enough money to pay for their daily needs. Many have not saved a penny – and will be relying on the safety net and promise of Social Security. We must not allow anyone to gamble away a third of the benefit checks they expect to receive when they retire.”

            “My five children and anyone under 55 may see only a fraction of the money they earned and invested. What is going to happen to the people whose only income is Social Security? Are we creating a poverty level unprecedented in this country?”

            On Iraq, the congresswoman was disappointed the president did not address an exit strategy.

            “We need to formulate a workable timetable to bring our kids home,” she said. “He failed to address the needs of returning veterans. Providing tools necessary for victory is important, but so is granting them and their families the resources needed when they come home. Will they have adequate job training and mental health coverage to help them cope with easing back into society and providing for their families?”

            Napolitano also was worried about the 150 government programs Bush proposed to ax.

            “What are they and who do they affect the most? Who determines whether they’ve been successful?” she asked. “Are these programs we’re relying on to help the poor, minorities and the disabled?

            On Pell Grants: “If he only increases funding for each grant but doesn’t increase the number available to our youngsters, the president will diminish the opportunities so desperately needed, especially in minority communities, to develop the next generation of American leaders.”

            On immigration: “This country was built by immigrants. We need to ensure their equal and fair treatment. In addition, the president did not address that failed federal policy and enforcement has cost our state and county government millions of dollars in costs that are not fully reimbursed.”
 

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